🇸🇦 Arabic phrases

How to Say "Excuse me" in Arabic

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
عفواً
"Excuse me" in Arabic · say it like ah-fwan

The most natural way to say "Excuse me" in Arabic is عفواً. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

عفواً لو سمحت
more formal, used when asking for permission
آسف
used when apologizing for a mistake

When to use it

You can use this phrase when you want to politely interrupt someone or get their attention. It is also appropriate when you accidentally bump into someone or need to ask a question. It shows respect and politeness in conversation.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Excuse me" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Arabic

ArabicEnglish
عفواً، هل يمكنك مساعدتي؟Excuse me, can you help me?
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'عفواً' with 'آسف', which is specifically for apologies.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear عفواً, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Arabic with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

When should I use 'عفواً'?

Use it when you need to get someone's attention or when you want to apologize politely.

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